Mac Allister and Gakpo on fire: player ratings from Liverpool's draw with Manchester United
Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
Nobody expected such a performance from Manchester United! Certainly not Arne Slot, who had plenty to worry about today. After United's opening goal, Slot had to make urgent adjustments.
Liverpool started with a high tempo, aiming to wrap up the game early in the first half. However, they were met with a well-organized United defense, proving nearly impossible to break through. Liverpool salvaged a draw largely due to Matthijs de Ligt's accidental handball in the penalty area.
The enduring image of the match was the exhausted faces of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, who had to work exceptionally hard to prevent their opponents from pulling ahead. This level of intensity was a rare sight for Liverpool's defense under Slot, as they hadn't faced such a demanding match in months.
Standout players
Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister registered four shots on goal in this match—matching Mohamed Salah and more than any other player on the pitch. Surprisingly, in the first half, Alexis played something akin to a central forward—a clever, unconventional forward who doesn't wait in the penalty area but bursts into open spaces from deep, receives the ball, and takes a shot. He managed two attempts in the opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, his role shifted to a more defensive one. He excelled at regaining possession in midfield, winning seven duels (though out of 16, which is less impressive) and recording seven defensive actions.
What truly stood out was his assist. He intercepted the ball, spotted Cody Gakpo in open space, and delivered a pinpoint pass. Gakpo's goal was spectacular, but it wouldn't have happened without Mac Allister's vision.
Cody Gakpo
Gakpo scored once again with his trademark move—cutting inside the box, shifting sharply to his right, and unleashing a powerful shot into the far corner. It was unstoppable.
But Gakpo deserves praise for more than just his goal. Even when he doesn't score, he constantly troubles defenders with his dribbling, shooting, and precise long passes. Today, his defensive contribution also stood out. United's attacks put Liverpool under immense pressure, and Gakpo frequently stepped in to block key passes and shots aimed at goal.
Ibrahima Konaté
Konaté finally returned to the lineup after a long absence and was thrown straight into the deep end. His defensive stats were stellar: five interceptions, six recoveries, seven clearances, and three blocked shots. The only player who came close to matching him was Harry Maguire, though Konaté had the edge.
This game was far more defensive than anyone anticipated, and Konaté bore the brunt of it. Without his presence, Liverpool might not have walked away with just a draw.
Worth mentioning
Of course, Mohamed Salah deserves a mention. Slot's tactics have reduced Salah's defensive workload, allowing him to focus entirely on creativity. Whether it’s beating defenders, delivering pinpoint crosses, or creating chances out of nothing, Salah remains a constant threat.
Today, however, he was partially neutralized by Diogo Dalot, who played confidently and aggressively against the Egyptian. Still, Salah had his moment—a penalty, calmly converted, marking his 18th Premier League goal of the season (compared to Erling Haaland's 16).
On the flip side, Trent Alexander-Arnold had one of his worst performances. His value lies in his attacking contributions, but United systematically exploited his transitional moments between defense and attack. Most of United's attacks came down his flank, and he struggled to cope.
Player ratings
- Alexander-Arnold T. - 7
- Alisson - 6
- Bradley C. - 7
- Van Dijk V. - 7
- Gakpo C. - 8
- Gravenberch R. - 7
- Jones C. - 6
- Díaz L. - 6
- Elliott H. - 6
- Jota D. - 6
- Konaté I. - 8
- Mac Allister A. - 8
- Núñez D. - 6
- Robertson A. - 7
- Salah M. - 8
